World cup 2018 russia

FOR a team widely written off at the start of the tournament Russia have come a long way. The nation will come to a standstill when they contest their first World Cup quarter-final meeting since 1970. And after beating Spain on penalties in the last round who knows what could happen in Sochi.A NATION EXPECTS RUSSIA does not know what to expect after this run. While this is still a dream for them the reality for Croatia is that they have their best team since the 1998 side that finished third in 1998. KEY BATTLES ARTEM DZYUBA is a tough centre forward and has scored three already this summer. The towering Russian will look to try and bully Liverpool’s Croatian Dejan Lovren out the game. That looks set to be the main on-field battle to watch... WEAK LINKS RUSSIA hit eight goals in their opening two games against Saudi Arabia and Egypt. But they have had just one shot on target in their defeat against Uruguay and spot-kick victory over Spain and those stats are unlikely to change … [Read more...] about World Cup 2018: Russia vs Croatia prediction, stats, team news and preview as sides prepare for big quarter-final match

FOR a team widely written off at the start of the tournament Russia have come a long way. The nation will come to a standstill when they contest their first World Cup quarter-final meeting since 1970. And after beating Spain on penalties in the last round who knows what could happen in Sochi.A NATION EXPECTS RUSSIA does not know what to expect after this run. While this is still a dream for them the reality for Croatia is that they have their best team since the 1998 side that finished third in 1998. KEY BATTLES ARTEM DZYUBA is a tough centre forward and has scored three already this summer. The towering Russian will look to try and bully Liverpool’s Croatian Dejan Lovren out the game. That looks set to be the main on-field battle to watch... WEAK LINKS RUSSIA hit eight goals in their opening two games against Saudi Arabia and Egypt. But they have had just one shot on target in their defeat against Uruguay and spot-kick victory over Spain and those stats are unlikely to change … [Read more...] about World Cup 2018: Russia vs Croatia prediction, stats, team news, and preview as sides prepare for quarter-final clash

RUSSIA'S most glamorous fan could also be their lucky charm after predicting their remarkable penalty triumph. Natalya Nemchinova is fast becoming the country's biggest supporter after being spotted in skimpy outfits hoping to bring good luck to the team. The 28-year-old, who was forced to deny being a porn star, was spotted in the Luzhniki Stadium wearing a tiny crop-top with 'Russia' emblazoned on the front. Before the host's remarkable triumph over 2010 world champions Spain, she was spot on with predictions that it would finish 1-1. She told TV channel Zvezda: "We will end up with penalties. “Then it helps when we’re at home: the support of the fans, the emotions.” Nemchinova has become a national figure for her enthusiastic backing of the team but revealed how upset she had been over claims she took part in porn films. She told reporters an X-rated video was just a home clip leaked online by a former partner. She added: "In fact this is a very old … [Read more...] about World Cup 2018: Russia’s hottest fan ‘ex-porn star’ Natalya Nemchinova PREDICTED they would beat Spain on penalties

RUSSIA 2018 group games have been brilliant, but from now on comes the serious business of knockout football. Hosts Russia take on Spain for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals and will fancy their chances against the 2010 champions at the Luzhniki in Moscow on Sunday. Russia were the lowest ranked nation in the tournament, no wins in seven games, a laughing stock among pundits and tipped to embarrass their country this summer. But Stanislav Cherchesov's side have surpassed all expectations to qualify from Group A with a game to spare with eight goals in wins against Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Despite topping Group B, Fernando Hierro's side with a galaxy of superstars have flattered to deceive and have looked anything but secure in defence. Russia will smell blood, but the manner of defeat to Uruguay will be concerning as Spain will hope sudden-death football will spark them into life. Best bets Spain have not been full of goals so far, But Betway are offering … [Read more...] about World Cup 2018: Russia vs Spain, team news, prediction and preview as the hosts take on the under performing Spaniards

NOW we know the World Cup last 16. SunSport runs the rules over the group stage survivors and gauges where we stand on the road to the final in Luzhniki on July 15. ARGENTINA Strengths: If you have Messi, you have hope. And the Barcelona superstar’s stunning strike against Nigeria was proof of his enduring class and quality. Weaknesses: Apart from the rifts, mutinies, attempted coups and casual disdain for the coach, everything is fine. Apart from the performances. Best performance: Argentina 2 Nigeria 1. Dug out salvation from the jaws of humiliation. Star man: Messi. Not because he has played well. But because he is all they have. Coach's conundrum: What do you mean, “coach”? They have one in name only. Messi decides everything. But biggest problem is trying to crowbar Aguiero back into a winning side. Group stage rating: 3/10 PAYING HOMAGE Is this the touching reason Gareth Southgate always wears a waistcoast? ATTENTION South Koreans fear Son Heung-min and Co will … [Read more...] about World Cup 2018: England, Brazil, Croatia… the best sides so far rated as Three Lions plot route to final